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Kupcho in tie for Evian lead, Korda makes strong start

golf10 July 2025 18:30| © AFP
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American Jennifer Kupcho took part of a five-way tie for the Evian Championship lead with a six-under first round of 65 on Thursday, with Nelly Korda and Minjee Lee among the big names in contention.

Kupcho, a former runner-up in the Evian, has struggled for form in recent years but claimed her first LPGA Tour title since 2022 last month.

She has not finished in the top 10 at a major since winning the 2022 Chevron Championship, but rounded off an excellent opening day with a birdie on the 17th hole and an eagle on the par-five 18th.

Kupcho is level at the top of the leaderboard with compatriot Andrea Lee, Australian duo Grace Kim and Gabriela Ruffels, and Ireland's Leona Maguire.

"I think it's just made me relax a little bit, just to not have to worry about anything," Kupcho said of her recent win in New Jersey.

"I can play whatever events I want. Other than that (it) hasn't changed a whole lot.

"I'm still not playing my best I would say so I'm just kind of sticking with it, knowing I can still win even if I may not be at my best."

Maguire, chasing her first major title, enjoyed a spectacular moment in her 65 with a hole-in-one on the par-three second hole, her 11th of the day.

"Looked good in the air. You're never sure on that hole until the ball actually lands," said the European Solheim Cup star.

"Sort of a perfect morning for it. Not much wind which is nice, especially on that tee box."

SOLID KORDA

There are some threatening challengers already lining up just behind the leading quintet, with world No 1 Korda only two shots behind after a 67.

The American is targeting a third major title and first since last year's Chevron.

She made six birdies and two bogeys in her opening round to put herself firmly in the mix.

"A couple of parts of my game helped me and rescued me, and the other parts let me down," she said.

"That's golf. Just going to try and figure it out on the range."

Australia's Minjee Lee is alone in sixth place on five-under after making four birdies in her last seven holes to card a 65.

The world No 6 is among the title favourites in France this week after sealing her third major crown last month in the women's PGA Championship.

She is targeting a second Evian success after her maiden triumph in 2021, although she has not finished in the top 10 in any of her other nine appearances.

"I feel like as the years go by this (becomes) a blur but all the memories and vibes come back obviously every time I am back, once I'm here," Lee said.

LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES

65: Gabriela Ruffels (AUS), Andrea Lee (USA), Leona Maguire (IRL), Jennifer Kupcho (USA), Grace Kim (AUS)

66: Minjee Lee (AUS)

67: Casandra Alexander (RSA), Aditi Ashok (IND), Helen Briem (GER), Mao Saigo (JPN), Mary Liu (CHN), Lee Somi (KOR), Ayaka Furue (JPN), Nelly Korda (USA)

Selected:

68: Jeeno Thitikul (THA), Lottie Woad (ENG/am)

69: Rio Takeda (JPN), Ariya Jutanugarn (THA)

72: Maja Stark (SWE), Angel Yin (USA)

73: Lilia Vu (USA), Brooke Henderson (CAN), Lydia Ko (NZL)

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